US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life Changing Event
To all viewers – Do not hesitate to USE THIS COMPANY. We researched for almost 2 years before our trip. We looked at American tour companies and several operators in Africa. We chose Kenya Expresso Tours and Safaris after several months of correspondence by e-mail and a couple of phone conversations. Paul spent a lot of time answering our questions and arranged our itinerary the way we wanted. Our dream safari totaled 11 days and 10 nights - 2 in Nairobi, 2 in Masai Mara; 3 in Serengeti, and one night each at the Crater in Ngorongoro; Lake Manyara, and Amboseli. Crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania was not a problem at all. You will need a Visa for both and we feel visiting both countries is a must if you have never been as they are both unique. Some tour operators do not operate in both which was another reason for choosing KETS. Paul was willing and able to plan our trip based on our itinerary- we told him what we wanted he gave us what we wanted, simple. Several other companies we looked into want you to choose from the list of packages they offer and have trouble customizing your trip for you to include both countries.
On our first day in Nairobi, we met Paul who told us that we were in the best hands to see the Big 5. Not only did we see the Big 5 and countless other animals, Paul and his drivers, Frances in Kenya and Joseph in Tanzania, provided for us an experience of a lifetime. We went on our safari from June 17-28th and we were able to get "shoulder season" rates. The weather was perfect and not as many tourists. The plains still had color and had not turned brown as yet. Our pricing included a Toyota 4X4, (pay the little extra) lodging and full board at the safari lodging sites, and a driver/guide for a private tour of just 2 people. Stay away from mini-vans, they have a tendency to get stuck, and the 4X4's have to pull them out. We saved a significant amount by going directly with KETS; less expensive than American based companies because you are going directly to the operator there, and we had our own vehicle, and were not in a group tour - all those people. Our accommodations were excellent. We had looked up all the lodges and there was only one night where we wanted to stay at a different place than what was initially quoted and Paul accommodated us with this request.
We will honestly say that we were skeptical and unsure about going directly to a company in Nairobi without prior experience. We contacted Trip Advisor, Better Business, US Embassy State Dept. and any other resource we could find to check on the legitimacy of this company. We had some fear - what if they don't show up; what if we don't get what we paid for - let's face it, your entire trip relies on your tour operator. Everything was EXACTLY what we asked for, paid for, and was told what we would get. KETS clearly states on their home page that they charge an additional 3% to your total if you pay your safari by credit card this is not the 3% imposed from your credit card company which you can also avoid if you travel with an international credit card you will not pay this fee. So, if you want to save 3%, give Paul a certified check or cash, we missed this item. Also be very aware of the exchange rates for currency and do not get taken by street people offering exchanges - you will be taken. Gifts and souvenirs, also do your homework, we purchased some items too soon in our trip, Francis did tell us to barter and compare but the baseline place we went to as our first place was so outrageously priced we thought prices were good after that. Every park you go to will have tribe people approach you with items, beads, jewelry carvings, blankets any of these items you will get for a very good price.
We cannot say enough about how precise and smoothly all the arrangements went. Our guides/drivers - Francis in Kenya and Joseph in Tanzania, were professional, courteous and dependable. Everywhere we went, we were escorted and guided, and they were always at our meeting point before us. We never felt unsafe or uneasy, even when the drive was long and difficult. They have to navigate between animals, people, washed out road conditions and traffic can be tedious. We tried not to distract with questions too many times , and a traveler needs to understand there is some down quiet time that is needed and we cannot fault your guide for conditions or places that we chose to go. Both drivers put our safety and comfort in the highest regard. We told them that we met as strangers and left as friends, you can enjoy your experience immensely with the hours you will spend together on a trip like this by really appreciating all you can take away from it. We can honestly say that this was a life changing event and choosing your tour operator is an essential part of the process.
The places, the people, and the things we got to see and do were magnificent - the culture and the country is beautiful. This is a must see for anyone who is fortunate enough to travel there. We learned more than we thought possible from Francis and Joseph and the camaraderie was comfortable. We were both given a personalized gift as we left which Paul had Francis pick up for us. Joseph also gave us a gift from his heart and shared his story and reasons for becoming a tour guide and his passion for his country and the wildlife in it. Both are very meaningful to us. Bottom line – our dream is to return next time without the worries that we had that turned out to be unnecessary stress on our part prior to our trip. The livelihood of these companies depends on tourism and it shows in the quality of the experience we had. Will we book again with KETS - absolutely.
To Paul, Francis, Joseph, and Purity - Asante Sana, and until we meet again. Ron and Diane Florida, USA
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
It was the best vacation ever! We had 4 full days of safari and 2 days of zanzibar. If we had known it was this good, we would have arranged a longer vacation. Our tour guide (Bryson) was informative and very friendly, our contacts at the office were very helpful. The tour price was reasonable and the places we stayed were more than we expected. The staff, food, land, everything was amazing. We will be definitely back to Tanzania and I thank everyone who helped us have this wonderful time!
UA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you so much for the awesome trip to wilderness of Tanzania.
This tip became quite unplanned and spontaneous for us. Suddenly my wife and I got vacation on the work and we started thinking about travelling somewhere. We found Altezza from context advertising half a year ago or something and now, facing the problem of choosing the destination for vacation, we thought: "Let's go to Africa, why not?"
Obviously we had lack of time for planning the trip and also due to the bank restrictions for international money transfer from Ukraine (you can not transfer through the bank more than $700 abroad), we could not pay a 30% deposit to guarantee our willing to come. After a short dialogue with the manager we bought tickets from Ukraine on the next day. Many thanks to manager Eugene for his responsiveness and understanding of the issue.
Telling truth, till the last minute, when we met our safari driver and manager of the company at the airport, I was worry about the trip. Neither me, nor my wife could believe that it is possible to organize 3-days Luxury safari within 30 hours only. But now I can confidently say "YES"!
Alttezza Travel managed to organize a dream-trip for me and my wife and we really appreciate them for the work done and can safely recommend this company to all travelers.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic value for money
After significant research on cost and itineraries I settled for this particular company - granted their website is not great and there are not a ton of reviews BUT the pacage we had for the 3 of us was excellent. We had a driver a cook for the 8 days of camping and it was the best way to do a safari in my opinion (unless of course you really want to drop 3k for overpriced soulless lodges.) Camping is NOT for everyone but it was perfect for us. We were avid photographers so the driver had a great sense of where to find the elusive animals. There are never any guarantees that you will find what you want but he kept driving until he found them. I used to think my eyesight was good but this guy was unbelievable - he could see a leopard in a tree at over 400m.
Thoroughly recommend. Amazing trip.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Shika tours have made it possible with very good rates and service
THANK YOU Manase for your quick replies and helping us to have a wonderful safari that will be a memoir for the rest of our lives. The package deal was the best price for what you get, and I can reccomend them at all times. We stayed in good camps and have learned a lot about African culture. A experience of a life time. Many highlights and we hope to do this again in our life time.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
From booking to actual safari an excellent experience.
When contacting Aardvark Expeditions, Philemon was very responsive and all my questions were answered quickly. He picked us up at the airport, briefed us before and debriefed us after the safari, he showed real interest in our experiences and valued us as customers.
I think, that they offer real great value, all our expectations where more than fullfilled. Safaris are not cheap but I think, that Aardvark has very good offers on a lower budget. We went on a 6D5N lodge safari to Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had an exceptionally nice and good driver who showed us all the views an Animals we wanted to see and even more. All accomodations were very good and some were outstanding.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Experience
Augustine and Walt, and the drivers provided us with the trip of a lifetime. The total experience was beyond my wildest expectations. The accommodations where great and their locations where perfect. To be in Tanzania and view the wildlife and meet the people was everything you can imagine and more. I would highly recommend Aardvark Safaris Tanzania to give you the perfect African experience.
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Pinar Erc
Serengeti is beautiful to visit but it is quite large. So to spot animals you need time or you need to be lucky. Game drives are a bit tiring but it is all worth it. I would definitely come back and stay more. Wildlife is enchanting.
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Heaven on earth
The scenery is excellent. Very suitable for safari if you have short time. All land is visible, you can spot lots of animals in a short time. A little bit cold in the rim. It is a must if you are travelling to Tanzania for safari.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The real bush.
I have been to Kruger a good number of times now, but I still remember my first time in 2006. The main thing that stuck with me of that trip was a bit of disappointment. As a kid I always watched nature documenteries on Discovery channel because of that, I kind of expected Kruger to look more like the Serengeti plains, or the Okavango. This fault was purely my own due to a lack of preparation and I would tell this to first-timers. This initial thought might have been a bit negative but it was quickly turned around by all the wildlife we saw. Nothing beats the sense of awe of seeing your first elephant walking next to the car. It became addictive in a way and I have returned many times.
Kruger is the Bush. I have been to other parks but none of them had the same Bush vibe. It can get very crowded in the south of Kruger though. This means car pile-ups and sometimes fighting for a spot to see things. The positive of a lot of cars means a lot of eyes spotting for animals. I have seen many a lion that we probably would have missed if it was just our own car driving. If the south is too crowded, there is always the middle of Kruger. You can easily see the Big Five (hate that name) there in a day if you are lucky, with a few legendary 'cat' roads. Or go to the north, near Shingwedzi or Punda Maria. Beautiful landscape and if you spot an animal, it often is yours as there aren't many other cars around.
About the subject of self-drive tourists: this is definitely a positive to me. I like driving our own car, at our own pace, doing our own thing. Sure, in a gameviewer you are higher up, the drivers have radio communication for good sightings and they get to drive at times when regular tourists can't. It is more of a safari feel for sure, but as an amateur photographer, I prefer to have an own car. Early morning or at night, I won't be able to take good photos anyway. Don't get me wrong, it is fun and a great experience to drive in a gameviewer, but in the end, self-drive has my preference.
The accomodations in Kruger are great. From simple camping sites and tented camps to nice rondavel cottages, and high-end accomodation (which I have never used). There is something for everyone. All camps have some similarities but also their own vibe. There are (expensive) shops, which are great for souvenirs but food is expensive, so bring your own if you can.
Kruger National Park is a big park, and a great one. You can go there on a budget in your own car, with a small tent or you can go with your own decked-out SUV and stay at the luxury housings. You can go to the north for a bit of the 'old-Kruger' feel or go to the south with high densities of animals. Go wherever you want, whenever you want. Go for a quick weekend-trip when you happen to be in the area or stay there for a week, travelling from camp to camp. A holiday within a holiday. Go in the winter when everything is dry for easy viewing, especially at the waterholes, or go in early summer, when everything looks fresh and green, with lots of baby animals running around. Any time of year is a good time to be in Kruger, because you will be in Kruger.
